The Grand Départ Trophy, which is held by the area or city hosting the start of the race, is being taken on a tour of Cambridgeshire as it is hosting the start of the third stage of this year’s Tour de France on Monday, July 7.

The trophy, commissioned by the Amaury Sport Organisation which organises Le Tour and designed by award-winning French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, will visit Hinchingbrooke School, in Huntingdon, on Friday.

It has already been on display on Cambridge’s Grand Arcade and will be going to two Fenland schools and a sports centre tomorrow (Tuesday). The trophy will also visit Sawston Village College on Wednesday and Witchford Village College on Thursday.

Councillor Noel Kavanagh, cycling champion at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “It is fantastic to have the Grand Départ trophy coming to Cambridge and the county for a week’s tour. It is a wonderful symbol of Le Tour de France which we were determined to make available for as many people as possible to see. This is why it will be in the Grand Arcade for three days so shoppers, visitors and residents can get the chance to have their photo taken next to the trophy. From there we felt it was essential that we took it to local schools and cycling events across the county so everyone – young and old – could be inspired by it.”

Executive councillor for community wellbeing, Councillor Sarah Brown, at Cambridge City Council, said: “Hosting the Grand Départ trophy is just one of the many highlights for Cambridge of holding the start of Stage 3 of Le Tour de France. It is an amazing piece of artwork in its own right but as the UK capital of cycling with so many of us getting around Cambridge every day on our bikes – it feels extra special to have it.

“With just over 120 days to go before the famous race comes to Cambridge, we are all hard at work to make sure it is an event which will live long in the memories of all who experience it. So we hope as many people as possible take the chance to see and have their photo taken with the trophy either at the Grand Arcade or on its tour around the county.”